Nemasys Vine Weevil Description
Steinernema kraussei are tiny parasitic eel worms (nematodes). Barely visible to the naked eye, they occur naturally in British soils.
The nematodes are mixed with a carrier medium to make Nemasys Vine Weevil , this is the form in which they are despatched.
Nemasys Vine Weevil Life Cycle
The nematodes live in moisture surrounding soil particles. They seek out vine weevil grubs and enter them through body openings. Once inside the grub, the nematodes release a bacteria which kills it within 48 hours.
The dead grub then starts to decompose. The nematodes reproduce inside the dead grub and are then released back into the soil to infect more vine weevil grubs.
If there are no grubs present in the soil the nematodes will die out after a few weeks.
Nemasys Vine Weevil Usage
- It will kill vine weevil grubs, it has no effect on the adults or eggs.
- It can be used in pots and containers as well as open borders. It can also be used on all plants including edible ones.
- It should be applied to moist soil or compost, the area treated should be kept moist by normal watering after application to enable the nematodes to swim in the soil moisture.
- It’s most effective at soil temperatures above 5ºC (41ºF).
NB. Soil temperature is more stable than air temperature. - It is simply applied as a drench and will kill all vine weevil grubs present in the treated area.
NB. If there are no grubs present the nematodes will die out. - It can be kept in a fridge NOT freezer at 5ºC for use before the pack expiry date (about one to two weeks after delivery date), however it is best used immediately upon receipt.
- It is best applied in the spring (March/May) and autumn (late August/October), these are the times that most vine weevil grubs will be present in the soil.
- Nemasys Vine Weevil is harmless to children, pets and wildlife and will not become a pest in its own right.